(Source: Teamster Nation, May 28, 2013)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Just days after filing for a US Airways mechanics election, the Teamsters today announced at a Washington news conference that we’re filing for an American Airlines mechanics election with the National Mediation Board.
We already represent 18,000 airline mechanics and related workers. If the two airline mechanics vote for Teamster representation, we’ll represent 30,000 airline mechanics and related workers.
Bill Wheeler, a 26-year American Airlines mechanic, explained why they want to be Teamsters: “Workers around the country have been under attack for years and we as American Airlines mechanics are no exception. After enduring 20 years of concessions, outsourced jobs, bankruptcy, frozen pensions and an overall lack of respect, we are coming together to bring in the bargaining power of the Teamsters Union, which has the strongest record representing mechanics in our industry.”
Jim Witt, a 24-year American Airlines mechanic, added: “From day one, this campaign has been about our craft standing up and fighting back against the rampant outsourcing and other abuses we’ve seen over the years. We’ve had enough and today with the Teamsters we are drawing a line in the sand. The Teamsters have the experience and power to stand up to management and restore the dignity of our profession.”